Fourth annual Pella in Pink run/walk set for Saturday

The Young Professionals of Pella are encouraging residents in neighboring communities to lace up their shoes for the fourth annual Pella in Pink event at 8 a.m. Saturday, a two-mile run/walk that supports breast cancer screening at the Pella Regional Health Center.

This is the first year the Young Professionals have sponsored the run/walk, which in years past has been headed by the Pella Chamber of Commerce.

The race will be held rain or shine, and although Saturday’s forcast is calling for some thunderstorms, organizers hope for more people than the turnout last year.

“We’re going to power through, so hopefully people will still turn out,” said Billie Rhamy, public relations coordinator at the Pella Regional Health Center. “We’re trying to get around 500 this year. In the past it’s been around 400, so we’re trying to get a few more. We have a lot more sponsors, so they’re getting involved by getting as many of their employees to help, too.”

Pella’s event is ticketed as a fun run, so younger runners and even costumes are allowed.

“(Dressing up) always just kind of happens,” Rhamy said. “There was definitely a fun group last year of three to five people who had the matching tutus and the fun socks and the crowns.”

The race will commence after some light stretching led by the Pella Regional Rehab Department. The route will begin at the West Market Park Shelter House in downtown Pella.

Interested participants still may register for the event. Forms can be found online at www.pellahealth.org and can be dropped off at the Pella Regional Health Center Information Desk or the Pella Chamber of Commerce.

“If you’re a survivor of breast cancer, on the form there is check box and they’ll be getting a little extra recognition at the event,” Rhamy said.

Cost is $20 in advance or $25 on race day, and all proceeds benefit breast cancer screening at Pella Regional Health Center. According to Rhamy, doctors suggest a yearly mammogram for women over the age of 40, with a baseline check to give them something to compare to sometime between 35 and 40.

For more information on Pella in Pink, contact Jesse Underwood, foundation director with the Pella Regional Foundation, at (641) 628-6625 or email junderwood@pellahealth.org.

Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of healthcare that is accredited by The Joint Commission. Its mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at (641) 621-2358 or visiting www.pellahealth.org.

Amy Martens can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 426 or via email at amartens@newtondailynews.com.